Spartan fans across the world were grinning from ear to ear today as Michigan State beat Tennessee to make continue on in the NCAA Tournament to the Final Four. This year’s journey to Indianapolis, Ind. is the Spartans’ second consecutive trip to the Final Four and the sixth trip for Coach Izzo’s teams in 12 years. As a number five seed in the NCAA tournament, no one expected MSU to make it past the second round let alone Indianapolis.
Last year, as a junior, I was fortunate enough to experience the Final Four feeling as State played in the National Championship Game in Detroit. The experience as a fan was surreal and I never thought I’d be in the same spot again this year. Tonight Spartan fans welcomed the team home to the Breslin Center. Similar to last year, Coach Izzo spoke about his tremendous pleasure with the team and what they’ve overcome to get to the Final Four, and his gratitude with the fans. The two seniors, Isaiah Dalhman and Raymar Morgan, also spoke and were thankful that the fans have stuck by the team through their highs and lows, and wins and losses.
In the spirit of the Spartan victory, here are a few of great Spartan basketball moments throughout the last 10 years. Hopefully this year’s trip to Indy will be as successful as the last Final Four performance there by the 2000 team led by Mateen Cleaves and Morris Peterson.
The Spartans will take on the Butler Bulldogs on Fri., April 2, 2010 at 6:07 p.m. at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. Good luck, Spartans! Bring home another championship!
And in case you forgot about last year’s performance, here’s a reminder of what the Spartans brought to the Final Four.
